The palliative care family support volunteer program is available to families whose child receiving palliative care through The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.
Caring for a seriously ill child at home can be difficult and can place enormous physical and emotional strain on the whole family.
For an unwell child, it can mean isolation from their usual friends and community. Siblings can feel they are not receiving as much attention as they would like.
Everyone in the family may feel they need a break and some time out.
How palliative care family support volunteers can help
Volunteers visit families in their own home and can help by:
- reading, playing or doing craft with an unwell child and/or siblings
- looking after an unwell child while a parent gets some rest or does other activities around the house
- helping with light practical tasks around the house
- looking after siblings during medical appointments
- helping with outings to the park or playground
- running errands, such as helping with shopping.
Volunteers are carefully matched with families and can visit for up to four hours a week.
Once a volunteer becomes familiar with family routines, their regular attendance and help can provide great support and a reassuring presence for children.
Volunteers are trained by The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and have all completed Working With Children and Criminal Checks.
Volunteers cannot have sole responsibility for an unwell child or administer medications.
Accessing the palliative care family support volunteer program
If you would like to know more about this service, please phone Sarah Potter on (02) 7825 2275 or email sarah.potter@health.nsw.gov.au
